In the Steel City, 32 NFL teams will forge their future over the next three days. Tonight, the 2026 NFL Draft began with the first 32 picks being chosen. Of those 32 picks, six teams have two selections. Among those six teams was the New York Jets. For general manager Darren Mougey, he was fortunate in having both the second overall and 16th overall picks. After having the second-highest scoring defense in the league last year, his priority was set on improving the front seven. With the second overall pick, he did just that.
Jets Defense Gets Major Boost From Their Second-Overall Pick
With the second overall pick, the New York Jets select David Bailey from Texas Tech 🛫 pic.twitter.com/BvL18ya0CG
— ESPN (@espn) April 24, 2026
After weeks of speculation, the New York Jets made a major addition at edge rusher. With the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select David Bailey, the Texas Tech Edge Rusher. After spending the first three years of his career at Stanford, David Bailey transferred to Texas Tech in April of 2025. Playing for head coach Joey McGuire, Bailey exploded during his first season in Lubbock, Texas.
In 14 games this season, David Bailey finished 2025 with 14.5 sacks, tied for the most in the FBS. Bailey was tied with edge rusher Nadame Tucker from Western Michigan. Along with leading the FBS in sacks, Bailey finished tied for second with 19.5 TFL. With a great first step and great bend off the edge, Bailey is arguably the single best pass rusher in the class. Despite being a great pass rusher, there are concerns with Bailey’s ability to stop the run. However, due to his ability to get in the backfield, those nerves are mitigated.
David Bailey’s fit in the New York Jets defense
By selecting David Bailey, the Jets add a major player off the edge who can develop into their best pass rusher. It’s expected that Bailey will start on the edge opposite of 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald IV. This gives the Jets two players who are capable of adding two potential double-digit sack players off the edge. During the offseason, general manager Darren Mougey addressed New York’s weakness against the run as well. After finishing with the fourth most rushing yards per game, Mougey added two talented run stoppers in T’Vondre Sweat and David Onyemata at defensive tackle.
Bailey can’t be expected to be an every-down player right away, especially with concerns about Bailey’s size at only 251 lbs. However, Bailey can still add size to his frame. More importantly, working with renowned defensive line coach Karl Dunbar should maximize David Bailey’s potential long-term.
Main Photo: [Mark J. Rebilas] – Imagn Images
